ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has expressed deep concern over society’s apathy towards victims of domestic violence, noting that women are often forced to return to abusive households despite sustained maltreatment. The remarks came during the hearing of a jail petition by Khursheed Ahmad, convicted of murdering his wife, Gulshan Bibi.
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Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, in a six-page judgement, observed that families frequently compel daughters to return to circumstances that amount to a “living hell,” despite clear evidence of abuse. He emphasised that women subjected to domestic violence are undeniable victims who deserve protection, compassion, and effective legal recourse.
The three-judge bench, headed by Justice Muhammad Hashim Kakar, upheld Khursheed Ahmad’s conviction. Initially sentenced to life imprisonment under Section 302(b) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) in 2021, the Lahore High Court had later reduced the charge to Section 316 (Qatl Shibh-i-Amd), sentencing him to 10 years in prison and ordering payment of Diyat exceeding Rs2 million to the deceased’s heirs.
The court examined evidence showing that the convict was unemployed, addicted to narcotics, and had a history of violent quarrels with his wife. In 2018, after repeated physical abuse, Gulshan Bibi had temporarily moved in with her parents before returning home under family pressure. She was later found murdered on July 21, 2019, following a brutal assault by Khursheed Ahmad and another accused.
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The SC stressed the urgent need for societal awareness and legal mechanisms to prevent women from being forced back into abusive relationships. Justice Ibrahim highlighted that entrenched cultural norms often undermine legal protections, leaving victims vulnerable. The court’s observations underscore the continuing struggle of domestic violence victims in Pakistan to secure justice and safety.